So when the sprightly 77-year-old passes judgement on the current state of affairs at Old Trafford, it’s a view worth taking in.

Atkinson, still affectionately known throughout the game as ‘Big Ron’, sat in the hot-seat for five years in the 80s, sprink­ling his own unique brand of stardust over a club that had been in the doldrums.

And while he says Jose Mourinho is the one to follow in his footsteps, he does so with a short-term warning.

“They’ve got the right man,” he said, “but it’s not been the best of weeks for him.

“There has been two below-par performances – put into focus by two very professional and exciting displays by Manchester City.

Former United boss Ron Atkinson says Mourinho is the man for the job, but needs a win (Image: Reuters / Phil Noble)

“And today against Watford is one of those where, I wouldn’t say it’s a ‘must-win’, but it’s one where he could do with a result more than a performance. It is a crunch game.

“Three defeats in a week does not go down well with Manchester United fans.

Expectation

“There is an expectation level. Defeat today will wipe the smile off people’s faces.”

Atkinson is busy promoting his autobiography. His reputation as a bejewelled good-time boy is little more than a facade.

He’s still going strong. Up-to-date with all the latest players and movements in the game. And the enthusiasm hasn’t waned.

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He added: “While Jose might not want to be in the Europa League, it could do him and the club some good.

“Along with the League Cup, there are five or six fixtures to play before Christmas and those will be better for his squad than any Under-23 matches.

“It will give those players a chance to attune.

“Players like Marcus Rashford will have learnt more in the De Kuip Stadium than he would have all season in a development squad.

Marcus Rashford will have learned plenty in United's loss to Feyenoord (Image: REUTERS)

“Jose received one or two questions about his team selection for the Feyenoord game – he made eight changes – but let’s be fair, outside the top four those eight players would walk into most teams in the Premier League.

“And City were sensational. I couldn’t believe how well they played. But it’s a long season and you can’t pick a winner quite just yet. The gongs aren’t handed out in September.”

Perhaps it’s a lifetime spent in the game, a good chunk of it as a pundit where he is still in demand. But ask a question about Wayne Rooney. And you get an answer. And more besides.

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Atkinson added: “Scoring a goal is the single most priceless commodity in football. And he is England’s leading scorer and he’s not far off becoming United’s.

“I believe you need him to be as near as humanly possible to the opposition’s goal. He’s not an out-and-out centre-forward. He is more of a Teddy Sheringham-type. You need him feeding off the big man and getting shots off.

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“He can play in a deep position. Rooney could play centre-half if he put his mind to it.

“But ideally, surely you would want him supporting the big man, picking up his knock-downs. If he’s 50 yards from the opposition goal, what’s the point?

“Sam Allardyce said that Rooney can play where he wants – I think that was telling him to play where he can do the most damage to the opposition.

Atkinson believes Wayne Rooney can play in deeper roles but is best supporting the striker (Image: John Peters)

“And you need him around the big man, Zlatan Ibrahimovic. I cannot believe how good Ibrahimovic is in the air. He is an absolutely magnificent header of the ball.

“He scores a high percentage of chances that come his way. As for Paul Pogba, well, I saw him last week and can’t help but think if he is going to be used anywhere out wide – and he has a tendency to drift out towards the flanks – then he should be told to get out to the right.”

Atkinson’s spent a lifetime in the game. And clearly still loves it. And he’s clearly not shy either of passing an opinion or two.

That latest tome of his will be well worth a look.

“Ron Atkinson – the Manager,” is published by de Coubertin books, priced £20.